Hey Guys,
I'm a real novice and need help.
I have an old "77" Formula Thinderbird, w/454's and TRS drives. I have lots of questions/problems.
1st is I have a vibration and knocking when i turn sharply. A mech. at the marina said its the Gimble bearing, and he can replace it.
does this sound right, and if so, is it a big deal and how much should i expect it to cost.

thanks for any help
Larry

Do you have B/W Velvet Drive transmissions? The TRS dont have a gimbal bearing, it's in the trans tailstock. Also check the U joints.

Probably U joints.

Sounds like u joints to me aswell.
But if u whant a set of TRS including gimbals and all ,,i have a set for sale.

Thanks you'll,
I felt like it was a u-joint kinda thing,
but i dont know this stuff.
Larry

Dont trs have 2 bearings a gimble and a tail stock because you can get to one by pulling the drive off and the other you have to pull the motor out. I could be wrong but i did mine a couple off years ago because of vibration and the outerbearing was exploded all that was left was the outer race.

Merctrans requires engine removal, the outer bearing on the Velvet Drive transmission can be reached through the bellows - not sure if you can get it out though.

I think I have the Merctrans, ?
Think I'll have them pull the drive, check the U-joints.
Can I then tell if the bearing in the tailpiece is bad or not?
Thanks

I would change both out If I were you. Yea It can be a lot of work but well worth it. I f that bearing was to lock up It can do a lot of damage.

It sounds to me like u-joints.You can check the bearing from outside with the drive off.You can also grease it from outside through the bellows.If you want to change it though you have to pull the engine.